Columbus’ Voyages and the Almogavars: A Historical Overview
The Discovery of America
The exposition of the Portuguese court and the Catholic monarchs was initially rejected. The plans were postponed until after the conquest of Granada. Columbus met Fray Juan Perez, who provided him with a letter of recommendation for the capitulation of Reina. The Capitulations of Santa Fe were signed, where Columbus was appointed admiral of all discovered lands and seas, viceroy and governor, entitled to one-tenth of the goods, the possibility of appointing judges, the right to participate in one-eighth of expeditions and benefits.
First Voyage (August 1492)
Columbus set out with three ships and 120 men, landing in Gomera. On October 12, they reached the Bahamas, landing on San Salvador, then Juana (later Cuba). The Santa Maria wrecked, and Fort Natividad was built. Columbus returned via the Azores and Lisbon, traveling to Seville and then to the Kings in Barcelona.
Second Voyage
Seventeen ships and 1500 men set sail. News traveled throughout Spain and Europe. Departing from Cadiz on September 25, 1493, Columbus discovered the Antilles and Puerto Rico (November 18). He returned to find La Española destroyed, the fort and garrison abandoned. He established Isabela. Discontent arose due to the lack of riches. Columbus discovered Jamaica, while others returned to Spain, and news reached the Spanish monarchs. He returned in 1496.
Third Voyage
Penalties and debts were waived for volunteers. Departing from Sanlucar on May 30, 1498, Columbus arrived in Trinidad, the Gulf of Paria, and discovered mainland, exploring the mouth of the Orinoco River. The monarchs sent Francisco de Bobadilla, who deposed Columbus and sent him to Spain, where he was released along with his brothers. He believed he had reached the Basque range bordering India in Africa, discovering a new continent.
Fourth Voyage
Departing from Cadiz in 1502, Columbus found Veragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica. He returned to Cuba and Jamaica, where he remained for a year. After being rescued, he rested in Udon Thani and returned to Valladolid. His heirs in Spain initiated a lawsuit to win the crown title of Veraguas and extensive lands as compensation.
The Almogavars
The Almogavars were a performing group of people, mugawir al-enemigo. They originated from incursions into remote locations and mountainous areas, living by and for war, with the objective of accumulating assets. Their boss or champion was responsible under the lhuestesse, and they elected a steering council to advise the adalid. Aragonese rich men seeking fortune quickly and of low birth led the troops. The troops consisted of gentlemen farmers who abandoned their lord, bankrupt merchants, beggars, vagabonds, adventurers, and volunteers (Alani, Turks, turcoples).
Their training and support aided the monarchy in their conquests of Catalonia and Aragon in the peninsula and the Mediterranean. Jaime I in the Kingdom of Valencia and Pedro III used 15,000 soldiers in Sicily. Charles of Anjou drove the Angevin from Messina and plundered the coast of Calabria. In Catalonia, they fought the Valois invasion in the county. This army was effective and feared. They became mercenaries for the Byzantine Empire and the King of Sicily. Frederick, King of Sicily, hired them to fight against Aragon. Roger de Flor was named vice admiral and captains caudillo.
Andronico, the Byzantine emperor, called for them to fight against the Turks and granted Roger the title of grand duke. Roger and 100 of his captains were killed at a banquet. War against the Byzantine Empire ensued, led by Roger Berenguer, who declared war on the Byzantine Empire, attacked Gallipolis, and defeated the Greeks and Genoese. Eighteen ships were attacked and captured. Entenza succeeded him. Bernardo de Rocafort beat the Greeks in Gallipolis and Agros. Peace was negotiated, and Entenza was released. Rocafort denied command and was killed. Rocafort and his men were abused and walled up. The Almogavars became the lords of the Greek cities. After their leaders died, they entered the service of the Duke of Thessaly in Athens, betrayed the Duke, and expired.